All areas of Pasco County are under an Emergency Burn Ban because of extremely dry conditions, according to a county news release.
The mandatory ban is in effect until conditions improve.
The extremely dry conditions are a result of a prolonged lack of rainfall and the conditions create an increased risk of brush fires, the release said.
The ban prohibits:
- Open burning
- Campfires/bonfires
- Burning yard waste/garbage
Also, remember that a simple action, such as tossing a lit cigarette into the grass, can easily ignite brush fires that can quickly spread out of control – putting people in danger and threatening homes and businesses, the release said.
Outdoor cooking in grills or smokers that can contain the fire, flame and heat is acceptable, however Pasco Fire Rescue encourages you to make sure the coals in your grill are extinguished when you finish cooking.
Pasco County will send out a notification when it is safe to resume open burning.
To report a Burn Ban violation, call the county’s Emergency Communications Center at 727-847-8102.
Published April 19, 2023
